Govt fines Askoi Group, bans shareholders from conducting Umrah
The decision follows multiple complaints and incidents involving the group’s failure to fulfil its obligations to pilgrims.
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The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has imposed penalties on Askoi Group for failing to facilitate Umrah pilgrimages as agreed and has barred the company and its shareholders from conducting any future Umrah-related services in the Maldives.
The decision follows multiple complaints and incidents involving the group’s failure to fulfil its obligations to pilgrims. The ministry stated that Askoi Group postponed its most recent Umrah trip, originally scheduled for the 24th of this month, citing safety concerns related to travel to Saudi Arabia due to regional tensions. However, the group also failed to return passports and payments to affected individuals.
Attempts by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs to contact the company’s management were unsuccessful. The group did not respond to official letters or communications from the ministry.
The company has faced several issues over the years related to Umrah services:
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In 2016, 38 individuals travelling with Askoi Group were stranded at the airport after failing to obtain visas in time.
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In 2018, 168 pilgrims were unable to depart due to fake tickets. The group claimed the ticketing agency had deceived them.
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During Ramadan last year, the group was fined MVR 130,000 after cancelling trips at the last minute and failing to refund payments.
In response to the latest incident, the Ministry has taken the following actions:
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Revoked the company’s permit to operate Umrah tours from the Maldives
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Imposed a fine on the company
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Prohibited Askoi Travel Service Limited and its shareholders from organising Umrah pilgrimages
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Directed the company to refund payments collected for this month’s cancelled trip
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Referred the case to the police for investigation
The Maldives Police Service has urged members of the public who have paid the group for Umrah services and not received refunds to report the matter to the Economic Crime Department.
